Autonomous vehicles

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes one or more computing devices and a set of user input buttons for communicating requests to stop the vehicle and to initiate a trip to the destination with the one or more computing devices. The set of user input buttons consisting essentially of a dual-purpose button and an emergency stopping button different from the dual-purpose button configured to stop the vehicle. The dual-purpose button has a first purpose for communicating a request to initiate the trip to the destination and a second purpose for communicating a request to pull the vehicle over and stop the vehicle. The vehicle has no steering wheel and no user inputs for the steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle other than the set of user input buttons.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/002,319 filed May 23, 2014, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Autonomous vehicles, such as vehicles that do not require a humandriver, can be used to aid in the transport of passengers or items fromone location to another. Such vehicles may operate in a fully autonomousmode where passengers may provide some initial input, such as adestination, and the vehicle maneuvers itself to that destination.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure provides a vehicle for maneuvering apassenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes one ormore computing devices and a set of user input buttons configured tocommunicate requests to stop the vehicle and to initiate a trip to thedestination with the one or more computing devices. The set of userinput buttons consists essentially of (1) a dual-purpose button having afirst purpose to communicate a request to initiate the trip to thedestination and a second purpose to communicate a request to pull thevehicle over and stop the vehicle, and (2) an emergency stopping buttondifferent from the dual-purpose button, the emergency stopping buttonconfigured to stop the vehicle.

In one example, the vehicle also includes one or more short rangewireless network connections configured to communicate between the oneor more computing devices and a client computing device. In anotherexample, the vehicle also includes one or more wireless networkconnections configured to communicate between the one or more computingdevices and a server computing device. The wireless network connectionsallow for the server computing device to relay information received froma client computing device to the one or more computing devices. Inanother example, the vehicle also includes a microphone configured toprovide user input to the one or more computing devices. In anotherexample, the second purpose is only available after the dual-purposebutton has been activated according to the first purpose. In anotherexample, the vehicle also includes a drive train does not include asteering wheel, a deceleration pedal, or an acceleration pedal. Inanother example, the vehicle also includes no user inputs for thesteering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle other than theset of user buttons. In another example, the dual-purpose button isconfigured to have an inactive state when the one or more computingdevices are not ready to initiate the trip. In another example, thedual-purpose button is configured to have two active states. A first ofthe two active states includes display information identifying that thebutton is operable for the first purpose and not the second purpose, anda second of the two active states includes display informationidentifying that the button is operable for the second purpose and notthe first purpose. In another example, the one or more computing devicesare configured to keep the dual-purpose button in an inactive state whenthe vehicle is not ready to initiate the trip. In another example, theemergency stopping button includes a cover configured to be moved into afirst position in order to allow a passenger to activate the emergencystopping button. In this example, the emergency stopping button isconfigured to be pulled up to activate the emergency stopping buttonwhen the cover is in the first position.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a vehicle for maneuvering apassenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes one ormore computing devices and a set of user input buttons configured tocommunicate requests to stop the vehicle and to initiate a trip to thedestination with the one or more computing devices. The set of userinput buttons consists essentially of a first button configured tocommunicate a request to initiate the trip to the destination, a secondbutton configured to communicate a request to stop the vehicle within afirst period of time, and a third button different from the first buttonand the second button. The third button is configured to communicate arequest to initiate an emergency stop within a second period of timeless than the first period of time.

In this example, the first button is configured to have an active statefor communicating the request to initiate the trip to the destinationand an inactive state, and the second button is configured to have anactive state communicating the request to stop the vehicle within thefirst period of time and an inactive state. The active state of thefirst button is available only when the second button is in the inactivestate. In this example, the one or more computing devices are configuredto keep the first button in the inactive state when the vehicle is notready to initiate the trip. In addition to or alternatively, the one ormore computing devices are configured to keep the second button in theinactive state until the trip has been initiated. In another example,when the second button is activated, the one or more computing devicesare configured to initiate a countdown to allow a passenger to cancelthe request to stop the vehicle, and, when the countdown is completed,identify a location to stop the vehicle within the first period of time.In another example, when the second button is activated, the one or morecomputing devices are configured to stop the vehicle within the firstperiod of time and put the first button into the active state and thesecond button into the inactive state. In another example, when thethird button is activated, the one or more computing devices areconfigured to stop the vehicle within the second period of time and whenthe vehicle is stopped, put both the first button and the second buttoninto the inactive states.

A further aspect of the disclosure provides a vehicle for maneuvering apassenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes a drivetrain, one or more computing devices configured to control thedrivetrain autonomously, and a set of user inputs configured tocommunicate with the one or more computing devices in order to initiatea request for the one or more computing devices to control the vehicleto the destination autonomously. The vehicle does not include auser-controlled steering mechanism, acceleration control, ordeceleration control which would allow for a driving mode where apassenger would directly control at least one of steering, acceleration,or deceleration of the vehicle via the drive train.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional diagram of an example vehicle in accordance withan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of an example system in accordance withan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial diagram of the system of FIG. 2 in accordance withaspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4D are example external views of a vehicle in accordance withaspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an example internal view of a vehicle in accordance withaspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an example of a console of a vehicle in accordance withaspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7C are examples of an emergency stopping button of a vehicle inaccordance with aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an example of three different states of a button of a vehiclein accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are an example flow diagram in accordance with aspectsof the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technology relates to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to adestination, for example taking a trip, autonomously. The vehicle mayinclude various user inputs for initiating as well as terminating suchtrips. In one example, the vehicle may include various buttons that canbe used to communicate requests from a passenger to the vehicle'scomputers in order to initiate a trip, pull the vehicle over, orinitiate an emergency stop. These buttons may therefore obviate the needfor typical vehicle inputs such as a steering wheel, brake oracceleration pedals, or such inputs that would provide the passengerwith direct communication with the vehicle's drive train or directcontrol over the steering, acceleration, or braking of the vehicle.

In one example, the buttons may include a multipurpose button. Themulti-purpose button may have a plurality of different states withdifferent states of activation. For instance, in a first state, wherethe vehicle is not ready to begin a trip, such as when a door is open ora seatbelt has not been buckled, the button may have no function or beinactive. Once the vehicle is ready to begin a trip, the button mayswitch to a second state. In this second state, the button may be usedto communicate a request from a passenger to the vehicle's computer tobegin a trip to a destination. Once a trip has begun, the button mayswitch to a third state. In this third state, the button may be used tocommunicate a request from a passenger to the vehicle's computer to pullthe vehicle over. When the vehicle has stopped or pulled over, thebutton may revert to the first or second state depending upon thecircumstances. In order to differentiate between the states, the buttonsmay display information to the user to indicate the current state of thebutton.

Alternatively, rather than having a single multipurpose button asdescribed above, two buttons with different states of activation may beused. For example, both buttons may initially be inactive where thevehicle is not ready to begin a trip, such as when a door is open or aseatbelt has not been buckled. Once the vehicle is ready to begin atrip, only one of the buttons (the first button) may switch to an activestate where the first button may be used to communicate a request from apassenger to the vehicle's computer to being a trip to a destination.The second button may remain inactive until the vehicle has begun atrip. At this point, the first button may become inactive again, and thesecond button may be switched to an active state where the second buttonmay be used to communicate a request from a passenger to the vehicle'scomputer to pull the vehicle over. In this regard, only one of thebuttons is available to be used by the passenger at a time. When thevehicle has stopped or pulled over, the second button may change to theinactive state, while the first button may change to the active orinactive state depending upon the circumstances. Again, in order todifferentiate between the states, the buttons may display information tothe user to indicate the current state of the button.

In response to a request to pull the vehicle over via any of the buttonsdescribed above, the vehicle's computer may provide the passenger withan opportunity to cancel the request. For example, by pressing thebutton a second time within a short period of time or until the vehiclebegins to physically pull over, the request may be cancelled. Althoughnot required, to notify the passenger of the time to do so, a countdownmay be used. Once the countdown has reached zero, the vehicle's computermay begin to look for a reasonable place to stop and/or pull the vehicleover.

In order to pull the vehicle over safely, the vehicle's computer maylook for an open space to pull the vehicle over. If one is not availablewithin a short period of time, such as ten seconds or more or less, ordistance, the vehicle's computer may bring the vehicle to a stop in thecurrent lane or as far to the right as possible, changing lanes ifnecessary, so long as the vehicle is not in an unsafe location. Examplesof unsafe locations may include train tracks, intersections, busyroadways, etc. which may be identified, for example, based on acombination of sensor data and pre-stored map information. If thevehicle is in an unsafe location, the vehicle's computer may continue tolook for an open space to pull over outside of the short period of time.If necessary, the vehicle may simply stop in the middle of a lane.

The buttons may also include an emergency stop button for communicatinga request from a passenger to the vehicle's computer to initiate anemergency stop. If such a stop is initiated, the vehicle's computer maystop the vehicle within a very short period, such as 3 seconds or moreor less depending, for example, on the speed and braking power of thevehicle or the speed and distance of another object (such as anothervehicle) behind the vehicle. The vehicle's computer may also display anotification to the passenger indicating that the emergency stop buttonhas been activated and help has been called (either a concierge or anemergency response center, e.g., a 911 call center). When the emergencystop button is used, the vehicle's computer may prevent the passengerfrom beginning a new trip without the assistance of the concierge or atall. Accordingly, the vehicle's computer may change the states of theother buttons to inactive state.

Given the nature of the emergency stop described above, the emergencystop button may be configured to reduce the likelihood of accidental useof the button. For example, rather than a simple push-button activation,the emergency stop button may require that the passenger pull up on theemergency stop button. In order to differentiate between the buttons,the emergency stop button may be in a different color from otherbuttons, such as red, and may include a warning-type text such as “STOPNOW—EMERGENCY” in order to indicate to the passenger the purpose of theemergency stop button. In addition, the emergency stopping button may bepositioned in order to allow more than one passenger to activate thisbutton when needed. In this regard, more than one emergency stoppingbutton may be used in a vehicle, such as where there is seating forthree or more passengers, in order to allow all passengers the abilityto use the emergency stopping buttons.

The emergency stop button may also include a cover which must first beremoved, lifted, or otherwise displaced before the passenger is able toactivate the emergency stop button. In one example, the cover may be aflip up cover. The flip up cover may be a spring-loaded cover with adamper that slows down the closure of the flip-up cover. As anotherexample, the cover may be slid away from over the emergency button. Thecover may also be made of clear plastic in order to allow the passengerto see the emergency stop button and to read the text of the button. Thecombination of the flip up cover and the pull up button are simple andeasy to use, but also reduce the likelihood of accidental activation ofthe emergency stop button.

In addition to the buttons described above, the vehicle may also includeother means for providing user input such as a microphone or camera (forcommunicating with a concierge) and/or one or more wireless networkconnections. In one example, the wireless network connections mayinclude short range wireless network connections for communicatinginformation between a client computing device of the passenger and thevehicle's computer. In addition, the wireless network connections mayallow for communications between the vehicle's computer and a servercomputing device. In this regard, the server computing device may relayinformation received from the passenger's client computing device to thevehicle's computer.

As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 100 in accordance with one aspect of thedisclosure includes various components. While certain aspects of thedisclosure are particularly useful in connection with specific types ofvehicles, the vehicle may be any type of vehicle including, but notlimited to, cars, trucks, motorcycles, busses, recreational vehicles,etc. The vehicle may have one or more computing devices, such ascomputing device 110 containing one or more processors 120, memory 130and other components typically present in general purpose computingdevices.

The memory 130 stores information accessible by the one or moreprocessors 120, including instructions 132 and data 134 that may beexecuted or otherwise used by the processor 120. The memory 130 may beof any type capable of storing information accessible by the processor,including a computing device-readable medium, or other medium thatstores data that may be read with the aid of an electronic device, suchas a hard-drive, memory card, ROM, RAM, DVD or other optical disks, aswell as other write-capable and read-only memories. Systems and methodsmay include different combinations of the foregoing, whereby differentportions of the instructions and data are stored on different types ofmedia.

The instructions 132 may be any set of instructions to be executeddirectly (such as machine code) or indirectly (such as scripts) by theprocessor. For example, the instructions may be stored as computingdevice code on the computing device-readable medium. In that regard, theterms “instructions” and “programs” may be used interchangeably herein.The instructions may be stored in object code format for directprocessing by the processor, or in any other computing device languageincluding scripts or collections of independent source code modules thatare interpreted on demand or compiled in advance. Functions, methods androutines of the instructions are explained in more detail below.

The data 134 may be retrieved, stored or modified by processor 120 inaccordance with the instructions 132. For instance, although the claimedsubject matter is not limited by any particular data structure, the datamay be stored in computing device registers, in a relational database asa table having a plurality of different fields and records, XMLdocuments or flat files. The data may also be formatted in any computingdevice-readable format.

The one or more processor 120 may be any conventional processors, suchas commercially available CPUs. Alternatively, the one or moreprocessors may be a dedicated device such as an ASIC or otherhardware-based processor. Although FIG. 1 functionally illustrates theprocessor, memory, and other elements of computing device 110 as beingwithin the same block, it will be understood by those of ordinary skillin the art that the processor, computing device, or memory may actuallyinclude multiple processors, computing devices, or memories that may ormay not be stored within the same physical housing. For example, memorymay be a hard drive or other storage media located in a housingdifferent from that of computing device 110. Accordingly, references toa processor or computing device will be understood to include referencesto a collection of processors or computing devices or memories that mayor may not operate in parallel.

Computing device 110 may all of the components normally used inconnection with a computing device such as the processor and memorydescribed above as well as a user input 150 (e.g., a mouse, keyboard,touch screen and/or microphone) and various electronic displays (e.g., amonitor having a screen or any other electrical device that is operableto display information). In this example, the vehicle includes aninternal electronic display 152 as well as one or more speakers 154 toprovide information or audio visual experiences. In this regard,internal electronic display 152 may be located within a cabin of vehicle100 and may be used by computing device 110 to provide information topassengers within the vehicle 100.

Computing device 110 may also include one or more wireless networkconnections 154 to facilitate communication with other computingdevices, such as the client computing devices and server computingdevices described in detail below. The wireless network connections mayinclude short range communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Bluetoothlow energy (LE), cellular connections, as well as various configurationsand protocols including the Internet, World Wide Web, intranets, virtualprivate networks, wide area networks, local networks, private networksusing communication protocols proprietary to one or more companies,Ethernet, WiFi and HTTP, and various combinations of the foregoing.

In one example, computing device 110 may be an autonomous drivingcomputing system incorporated into vehicle 100. The autonomous drivingcomputing system may capable of communicating with various components ofthe vehicle. For example, returning to FIG. 1, computing device 110 maybe in communication with various systems of vehicle 100, such asdeceleration system 160, acceleration system 162, steering system 164,signaling system 166, navigation system 168, positioning system 170, anddetection system 172 in order to control the movement, speed, etc. ofvehicle 100 in accordance with the instructions 134 of memory 130.Again, although these systems are shown as external to computing device110, in actuality, these systems may also be incorporated into computingdevice 110, again as an autonomous driving computing system forcontrolling vehicle 100.

As an example, computing device 110 may interact with decelerationsystem 160 and acceleration system 162 in order to control the speed ofthe vehicle. Similarly, steering system 164 may be used by computer 110in order to control the direction of vehicle 100. For example, ifvehicle 100 is configured for use on a road, such as a car or truck, thesteering system may include components to control the angle of wheels toturn the vehicle. Signaling system 166 may be used by computing device110 in order to signal the vehicle's intent to other drivers orvehicles, for example, by lighting turn signals or brake lights whenneeded.

Navigation system 168 may be used by computing device 110 in order todetermine and follow a route to a location. In this regard, thenavigation system 168 and/or data 134 may store detailed mapinformation, e.g., highly detailed maps identifying the shape andelevation of roadways, lane lines, intersections, crosswalks, speedlimits, traffic signals, buildings, signs, real time trafficinformation, vegetation, or other such objects and information.

Positioning system 170 may be used by computing device 110 in order todetermine the vehicle's relative or absolute position on a map or on theearth. For example, the position system 170 may include a GPS receiverto determine the device's latitude, longitude and/or altitude position.Other location systems such as laser-based localization systems,inertial-aided GPS, or camera-based localization may also be used toidentify the location of the vehicle. The location of the vehicle mayinclude an absolute geographical location, such as latitude, longitude,and altitude as well as relative location information, such as locationrelative to other cars immediately around it which can often bedetermined with less noise that absolute geographical location.

The positioning system 170 may also include other devices incommunication with computing device 110, such as an accelerometer,gyroscope or another direction/speed detection device to determine thedirection and speed of the vehicle or changes thereto. By way of exampleonly, an acceleration device may determine its pitch, yaw or roll (orchanges thereto) relative to the direction of gravity or a planeperpendicular thereto. The device may also track increases or decreasesin speed and the direction of such changes. The device's provision oflocation and orientation data as set forth herein may be providedautomatically to the computing device 110, other computing devices andcombinations of the foregoing.

The detection system 172 also includes one or more components fordetecting objects external to the vehicle such as other vehicles,obstacles in the roadway, traffic signals, signs, trees, etc. Forexample, the detection system 170 may include lasers, sonar, radar,cameras and/or any other detection devices that record data which may beprocessed by computing device 110. In the case where the vehicle is asmall passenger vehicle such as a car, the car may include a laser orother sensors mounted on the roof or other convenient location.

The computing device 110 may control the direction and speed of thevehicle by controlling various components. By way of example, computingdevice 110 may navigate the vehicle to a destination location completelyautonomously using data from the detailed map information and navigationsystem 168. Computer 110 may use the positioning system 170 to determinethe vehicle's location and detection system 172 to detect and respond toobjects when needed to reach the location safely. In order to do so,computer 110 may cause the vehicle to accelerate (e.g., by increasingfuel or other energy provided to the engine by acceleration system 162),decelerate (e.g., by decreasing the fuel supplied to the engine,changing gears, and/or by applying brakes by deceleration system 160),change direction (e.g., by turning the front or rear wheels of vehicle100 by steering system 164), and signal such changes (e.g., by lightingturn signals of signaling system 166). Thus, the acceleration system 162and deceleration system 162 may be a part of a drivetrain that includesvarious components between an engine of the vehicle and the wheels ofthe vehicle. Again, by controlling these systems, computer 110 may alsocontrol the drivetrain of the vehicle in order to maneuver the vehicleautonomously.

Computing device 110 of vehicle 100 may also receive or transferinformation to and from other computing devices. FIGS. 2 and 3 arepictorial and functional diagrams, respectively, of an example system200 that includes a plurality of computing devices 210, 220, 230, 240and a storage system 250 connected via a network 260. System 200 alsoincludes vehicle 100, and vehicle 100A which may be configured similarlyto vehicle 100. Although only a few vehicles and computing devices aredepicted for simplicity, a typical system may include significantlymore.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of computing devices 210, 220, 230, 240 mayinclude one or more processors, memory, data and instructions. Suchprocessors, memories, data and instructions may be configured similarlyto one or more processors 120, memory 130, data 132, and instructions134 of computing device 110.

The network 260, and intervening nodes, may include variousconfigurations and protocols including short range communicationprotocols such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, the Internet, World Wide Web,intranets, virtual private networks, wide area networks, local networks,private networks using communication protocols proprietary to one ormore companies, Ethernet, WiFi and HTTP, and various combinations of theforegoing. Such communication may be facilitated by any device capableof transmitting data to and from other computing devices, such as modemsand wireless interfaces.

In one example, one or more computing devices 110 may include a serverhaving a plurality of computing devices, e.g., a load balanced serverfarm, that exchange information with different nodes of a network forthe purpose of receiving, processing and transmitting the data to andfrom other computing devices. For instance, one or more computingdevices 210 may include one or more server computing devices that arecapable of communicating with computing device 110 of vehicle 100 or asimilar computing device of vehicle 100A as well as computing devices220, 230, 240 via the network 260. For example, vehicles 100 and 100Amay be a part of a fleet of vehicles that can be dispatched by servercomputing devices to various locations. In this regard, the vehicles ofthe fleet may periodically send the server computing devices locationinformation provided by the vehicle's respective positioning systems andthe one or more server computing devices may track the locations of thevehicles.

In addition, server computing devices 210 may use network 260 totransmit and present information to a user, such as user 222, 232, 242on a display, such as displays 224, 234, 242 of computing devices 220,230, 240. In this regard, computing devices 220, 230, 240 may beconsidered client computing devices.

As shown in FIG. 3, each client computing device 220, 230, 240 may be apersonal computing device intended for use by a user 222, 232, 242, andhave all of the components normally used in connection with a personalcomputing device including a one or more processors (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU)), memory (e.g., RAM and internal hard drives)storing data and instructions, a display such as displays 224, 234, 244(e.g., a monitor having a screen, a touch-screen, a projector, atelevision, or other device that is operable to display information),and user input devices 226, 236, 246 (e.g., a mouse, keyboard,touch-screen or microphone). The client computing devices may alsoinclude a camera for recording video streams, speakers, a networkinterface device, and all of the components used for connecting theseelements to one another.

In addition, the client computing devices 220 and 230 may also includecomponents 228 and 238 for determining the position and orientation ofclient computing devices. For example, these components may include aGPS receiver to determine the device's latitude, longitude and/oraltitude as well as an accelerometer, gyroscope or anotherdirection/speed detection device as described above with regard topositioning system 170 of vehicle 100.

Although the client computing devices 220, 230, and 240 may eachcomprise a full-sized personal computing device, they may alternativelycomprise mobile computing devices capable of wirelessly exchanging datawith a server over a network such as the Internet. By way of exampleonly, client computing device 220 may be a mobile phone or a device suchas a wireless-enabled PDA, a tablet PC, a wearable computing device orsystem, or a netbook that is capable of obtaining information via theInternet or other networks. In another example, client computing device230 may be a wearable computing system, shown as a head-mountedcomputing system in FIG. 2. As an example the user may input informationusing a small keyboard, a keypad, microphone, using visual signals witha camera, or a touch screen.

In some examples, client computing device 240 may be a concierge workstation used by an administrator to provide concierge services to userssuch as users 222 and 232. For example, a concierge 242 may use theconcierge work station 240 to communicate via a telephone call or audioconnection with users through their respective client computing devicesor vehicles 100 or 100A in order to facilitate the safe operation ofvehicles 100 and 100A and the safety of the users as described infurther detail below. Although only a single concierge work station 240is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, any number of such work stations may beincluded in a typical system.

Storage system 250 may store various types of information as describedin more detail below. This information may be retrieved or otherwiseaccessed by a server computing device, such as one or more servercomputing devices 210, in order to perform some or all of the featuresdescribed herein. For example, the information may include user accountinformation such as credentials (e.g., a user name and password as inthe case of a traditional single-factor authentication as well as othertypes of credentials typically used in multi-factor authentications suchas random identifiers, biometrics, etc.) that can be used to identify auser to the one or more server computing devices. The user accountinformation may also include personal information such as the user'sname, contact information, identifying information of the user's clientcomputing device (or devices if multiple devices are used with the sameuser account), as well as one or more unique signals for the user.

The storage system 250 may also store routing data for generating andevaluating routes between locations. For example, the routinginformation may be used to estimate how long it would take a vehicle ata first location to reach a second location. In this regard, the routinginformation may include map information, not necessarily as particularas the detailed map information described above, but including roads, aswell as information about those road such as direction (one way, twoway, etc.), orientation (North, South, etc.), speed limits, as well astraffic information identifying expected traffic conditions, etc.

As with memory 130, storage system 250 can be of any type ofcomputerized storage capable of storing information accessible by theserver computing devices 210, such as a hard-drive, memory card, ROM,RAM, DVD, CD-ROM, write-capable, and read-only memories. In addition,storage system 250 may include a distributed storage system where datais stored on a plurality of different storage devices which may bephysically located at the same or different geographic locations.Storage system 150 may be connected to the computing devices via thenetwork 260 as shown in FIG. 2 and/or may be directly connected to orincorporated into any of the computing devices 110, 210, 220, 230, 240,etc.

FIGS. 4A-4D are examples of external views of vehicle 100. As can beseen, vehicle 100 includes many features of a typical vehicle such asheadlights 402, windshield 403, taillights/turn signal lights 404, rearwindshield 405, doors 406, side view mirrors 408, tires and wheels 410,and turn signal/parking lights 412. Headlights 402, taillights/turnsignal lights 404, and turn signal/parking lights 412 may be associatedthe signaling system 166. Light bar 407 may also be associated with thesignaling system 166.

Vehicle 100 also includes sensors of the detection system 172. Forexample, housing 414 may include one or more laser devices for having360 degree or narrower fields of view and one or more camera devices.Housings 416 and 418 may include, for example, one or more radar and/orsonar devices. The devices of the detection system may also beincorporated into the typical vehicle components, such as taillights 404and/or side view mirrors 408. Each of these radar, camera, and lasersdevices may be associated with processing components which process datafrom these devices as part of the detection system 172 and providesensor data to the computing device 110.

FIG. 5 is an example internal view of vehicle 100 through the opening ofdoor 406. In this example, there are two seats 502 for passengers with aconsole 504 between them. Directly in ahead of the seats 502 is adashboard configuration 506 having a storage bin area 508 and theinternal electronic display 152. As can be readily seen, vehicle 100does not include a steering wheel, gas (acceleration) pedal, or brake(deceleration) pedal which would allow for a semiautonomous or manualdriving mode where a passenger would directly control the steering,acceleration and/or deceleration of the vehicle via the drivetrain.Rather, as described in further detail below, user input is limited to amicrophone of the user input 150 (not shown), features of the console504, and wireless network connections 156. In this regard, internalelectronic display 152 merely provides information to the passenger andneed not include a touch screen or other interface for user input. Inother embodiments, the internal electronic display 152 may include atouch screen or other user input device for entering information by apassenger such as a destination, etc.

The internal electronic display 152 has a generally rectangular shapewhere the width of the display is significantly smaller than the length.The internal electronic display 152 may include an anti-reflectivecoating and be situated above the storage bin area 508 in order to alignwith a passenger's eye level when seated in either of the seats 502. Themicrophone of the user input 150 may be a located behind a small openingat the top center of the internal electronic display 152.

Storage bin area 508 may be configured to hold items such as shoppingbags, purses, backpacks, etc. The depth of the storage bin may beconfigured such that larger objects are less likely to tip out of thestorage bin area during an abrupt deceleration or acceleration ofvehicle 100. In some examples, elastic straps may be used to furthersecure items in the storage bin area. Storage bin area 508 may serve adual purpose as a foot rest for passengers seated in seats 502.

FIG. 6 is a top down view of the console 504. Console 504 includesvarious buttons for controlling features of vehicle 100. For example,console 504 includes buttons that may be found in a typical vehicle suchas buttons 602 for locking and unlocking the doors 406, buttons 604 forraising or lowering the windows of doors 406, buttons 606 for turning oninternal lights of the vehicle, buttons 608 for controlling a heatingfunction of seats 502, as well as buttons 610 for controlling the volumeof speakers 154.

In addition, console 504 also includes buttons 611 for initiatingcommunication with concierge 242 via one of the wireless networkconnections 156. Once the concierge work station is connected to thevehicle, the concierge may communicate with the passenger via thespeakers 154 and/or internal electronic display 152. In addition, themicrophone allows the passenger to speak directly to the concierge. Insome cases, vehicle 100 may include an internal still or video camerathat allows the concierge to view the status of the passengers andconfirm their safety.

Buttons 612 and 614 may also be a part of user input 150 and in thisregard, allow a passenger to communicate with computer 110, for example,to initiate or end a trip in the vehicle. In this regard, button 612 mayact as an emergency stopping button that, when pushed, causes vehicle100 to stop in a short amount of time. Because the passenger does nothave direct control of the acceleration or deceleration of vehicle 100by way of a gas or brake pedal, button 612 may be an emergency stopbutton that is critical to allowing a passenger to feel safe and actquickly in case of an immediate emergency.

In addition, because of the potentially abrupt nature of a stopinitiated by the emergency stopping button 612, the emergency stoppingbutton may include one or more features that may reduce the likelihoodof accidental activation of the emergency stop button. As an example,such features may include a cover which must first be removed, lifted,or otherwise displaced before the passenger is able to activate theemergency stop button, and the emergency stopping button may need to bepulled (rather than pushed) in order to be activated.

FIGS. 7A-7C are examples of emergency stopping button 612 with a flip upcover 712. The flip up cover 712 may be a spring-loaded cover with adamper that slows down the closure of the flip-up cover. FIG. 7A is anexample of the flip up cover 712 and emergency stopping button 612 inthe typical down position. In this regard, the emergency stopping buttonis not activated and the flip up cover is closed. In this example, thecover may be made of clear plastic in order to allow the passenger tosee the emergency stop button and to read the text of the emergencystopping button.

In FIG. 7B, the flip up cover 712 has been opened, but as can be seen,the emergency stopping button has not been activated. In this regard,even though the cover has been removed, a second action on the emergencystopping button must be performed in order to initiate an emergencystop.

In FIG. 7C, the flip up cover 712 has been opened and the emergencystopping button 612 has been activated (as it is shown in the upposition). As shown, the emergency stopping button 612 must be pulled upin a direction generally opposite of the flip up cover in order toactivate the emergency stopping button. The combination of the flip upcover and the pull up button are simple and easy to use, but also reducethe likelihood of accidental activation of the emergency stop button.

Other features and configurations may also be used for the emergencystopping button. For example, Rather than flipping up, the cover may beslid away from over the emergency button. Similarly, rather than beingpulled up, the emergency stopping button may have a typical push buttonactivation.

Button 614 may be a multi-function button. For example, FIG. 8 providesexamples of the same button; here button 614, in three different states.In the first state 802, button 614 is inactive, that is, if pressed, thevehicle's computer 110 would not respond by taking any particular actionwith regard to controlling the movement of the vehicle. However, even inthis inactive state, the vehicle's computers may provide a passengerwith some visual or audible feedback to indicate that the button ispressed. As an example, this feedback may indicate that the computerrecognizes that the button was pressed or otherwise activated, but thatbutton is currently inactive and the vehicle will not respond bymaneuvering the vehicle in any particular way (e.g., not starting a tripor pulling over).

In the second state 804, when the vehicle is ready to begin a trip, thebutton 614 may change to a “GO” button which a passenger uses toinitiate a trip to a destination or drop off location. Once vehicle 100is moving, button 614 may change to a third state 806, where the button614 is a “PULL OVER” button which a passenger users to initiate anon-emergency stop. In this regard, computer 110 may respond bydetermining a reasonable place to pull the vehicle over, rather thancoming to a more sudden stop as with the emergency stop button 612.Arrows 812, 814, and 816 indicate that the states need not be displayedonly in the order of first, second third, but may switch from second tofirst, third to first, third to second, etc. as dictated by the needs ofcomputer 110.

Alternatively, rather than having a single multipurpose button 614, twobuttons with different states of activation may be used. In this regard,a first button may have an inactive state and an active or “GO” statewhich enables a passenger to initiate a trip to a destination or dropoff location. A second button may have an inactive state and an activeor “PULL OVER” state which enables a passenger to initiate anon-emergency stop. In some examples, when the first button is in theactive state, the second button is in the inactive state. Similarly,when the second button is in the active state, the first button may bein the inactive state. As discussed in further detail below, before thevehicle is ready to start a trip to a drop off location, both the firstand second buttons may be in the inactive state.

Thus, passenger communication with computer 110 for navigation purposesmay be limited to button 614 (or two buttons as in the example above),emergency stopping button 612, wireless network connection 156 (such asBluetooth LE) with the passenger's client computing device, and bysending information from the passenger's client computing device to theserver 210 which then relays that information to the vehicle's computer.In some examples, a passenger may provide information to the vehicle'scomputer 110 via voice commands though the microphone as discussedabove. In addition, however, the passenger may communicate with theconcierge via a phone call, an application on the passenger's clientcomputing device, a microphone, and/or the concierge button 611 and inturn, the concierge may provide instructions control certain aspects ofa vehicle via a concierge work station.

In addition to the operations described above and illustrated in thefigures, various operations will now be described. It should beunderstood that the following operations do not have to be performed inthe precise order described below. Rather, various steps can be handledin a different order or simultaneously, and steps may also be added oromitted.

In one aspect, a user may download an application for requesting avehicle to a client computing device. For example, users 222 and 232 maydownload the application via a link in an email, directly from awebsite, or an application store to client computing devices 220 and230. For example, client computing device may transmit a request for theapplication over the network, for example, to one or more servercomputing devices 210, and in response, receive the application. Theapplication may be installed locally at the client computing device.

The user may then use his or her client computing device to access theapplication and request a vehicle. As an example, a user such as user232 may use client computing device 230 to send a request to one or moreserver computing devices 210 for a vehicle. In this regard, the requestmay identify the user 232 and may also provide information such as apickup location for the user (such as one inputted by the user or acurrent location of the user's client computing device obtained, forexample, using components 238), as well as a destination location. Thisdestination location may be input by the user.

The client computing device, via the application, may send the requestto one or more server computing devices 210. In response, the servercomputing devices may dispatch a vehicle to the current location of theuser and provide other information such as an estimated pickup time.Alternatively, the server may notify the client computing device ifthere are no vehicles available.

Using his or her client computing device, the user may input, provide,or otherwise select a pickup location, a drop off location, and, in somecases, one or more intermediate stopping locations anywhere within aservice area where a vehicle can stop. This information may then be sentto the server computing devices 210 and relayed to the dispatchedvehicle, such as vehicle 100. These pickup and destination locations maybe predefined (e.g., specific areas of a parking lot, etc.) or maysimply be any location within a service area of the vehicles.

When a vehicle arrives for a user, the computer 110 may attempt toauthenticate the user. For example, using a wireless connection having ashort range communication protocol such as Bluetooth LE, the computer110 and the client computing device may communicate at somepredetermined distance, such as 25 meters. Once the communication isestablished, for example, using one of the wireless network connections156 the client computing device may be authenticated using any knownauthentication technique as an approximation or proxy for authenticatingthe user. In some cases, the authentication may occur even before thevehicle has reached the selected location if the vehicle passes by theuser's client computing device and makes the wireless connection.

Once the user (and/or the user's client computing device) isauthenticated to a sufficient degree and has reached a certain thresholddistance from the vehicle 100, for example 10 meters or less, the doors406 may automatically unlock, and in some cases open up, to allow theuser to enter the vehicle.

Once the user (and/or the user's client computing device) has enteredthe vehicle, the computer 110 may display a welcome screen on theinternal electronic display 152. This welcome screen may provideinstructions to the user (now a passenger) on how to use the vehicle.For example, the instructions may include requesting that the passengershut the doors 406 if needed and buckle his or her seatbelt. Sensorsassociated with the seats, doors, and seatbelts may be used to determineif the passenger has complied. At this time, button 614 may be in theinactive state or the first state 802 of FIG. 8.

Once the passenger has complied with the instructions, the computer 110may activate the button 614 or change button 614 to the second state804. In this regard, if the user does not close the door or buckle theseat belt, the computer 110 may not allow the passenger to use thevehicle for a trip by preventing button 614 from changing out of theinactive or first state 802. As noted above, when the passenger is readyto initiate a trip to the destination, he or she may press or otherwiseactivate button 614. In response, the computer 110 may initiate thenecessary systems to control the vehicle autonomously to the destination(drop off location).

Once the passenger has activated button 614, the computer 110 may alsoindicate on the internal electronic display 152 that the vehicle 100 isgetting ready to move. In addition, a passenger specific or defaultsoundscape may begin playing through the speakers 154 and the internalelectronic display 152 may then provide a “ride screen” which providesinformation such as an estimated time of arrival, information about thedestination, current time, weather, etc.

Once the passenger has activated the button 614 to initiate a trip tothe destination and the computer 110 is controlling the vehicleautonomously, the computer 110 may change the state of button 614 to thethird state 806 where button 614 becomes a “PULL OVER” button. If,during a ride, the passenger were to activate the button 614 when in the“PULL OVER” state, the computer 110 would respond by identifying areasonable place to stop or pull the vehicle over before the destinationis reached. The computer 110 may also provide a notification to the userthat the vehicle is attempting to pull over on the internal electronicdisplay 152. This pull over function may also be achieved by calling aconcierge or by using the application on the passenger's clientcomputing device.

Thus, the pull over button may allow the passenger to stop the vehiclemid-trip. In order to do so, it is important to balance the desire torespond quickly with the need to find a reasonable place to stop thevehicle. As an example, when a user presses the pull over button, thebutton may revert back to the second state 804 and become a “GO” buttononce again.

Once the button 614 has been activated in the third state 806, thecomputer 110 may also display some version of: “Preparing to pull over.To cancel, press the Go button” on the internal electronic display 152.In this regard, the passenger may cancel the request to pull the vehicleover by pressing or otherwise activating button 614 again before thevehicle has begun to physically pull over, for example by slowing downor changing lanes. In one example, the display may also show a counterthat counts down for a predetermined period of time, for example, 3seconds. In this regard, if user presses the “Go” button (button 614when in the second state 804), the countdown will clear and the tripwill continue. If user does nothing, the counter counts down to zero.When the counter reaches zero, the computer 110 may begin to pull thevehicle over, and the passenger may not be able to prevent the vehiclefrom pulling over. In one example, if vehicle is not in the right mostlane, vehicle will lane change to the right most lane as soon as and assafely as possible.

The computer 110 will then pull over the vehicle to the side of the roadwithin a short period, for example, within 10 seconds or more or less.In order to do so, the computer 110 may look for an open space, such asroom on a shoulder to pull out of the vehicle's current lane based onwhere the vehicle will be in the next 10 seconds. If no preferred pullover location can be found, and the vehicle is not in an unsafe location(e.g., train tracks, intersections, busy roadway, intersection), thecomputer may use the signaling system to turn on the hazard lights andcome to a stop in the vehicle's current lane (preferably on the edge ofthe lane) even if it is a busy road.

Again, the emergency stop button 612, can be used by the passenger toimmediately initiate an emergency stop. As discussed above with regardto FIGS. 7A-7C, the passenger may be required to remove a cover, such asflip up cover 712, and then activate button 612, by pulling up orpressing on the button 612 as needed.

If such an emergency stop is initiated, the computer 110 may stop thevehicle within a very short period, such as 3 seconds or more or lessdepending, for example, on the speed and braking power of the vehicle.The computer may also display a notification to the passenger indicationthat the emergency stop button has been activated and help has beencalled (either a concierge or an emergency response center, e.g., a 911call center). In addition, a concierge may be automatically connected tothe vehicle in order to assess the status of the passenger and vehicle,for example by using a video or still camera to view the passenger andcheck on his or her safety.

Once the vehicle is stopped, if the doors were previously locked duringthe trip, the doors may then unlock and, if not previously locked,simply open and allow the user to exit the vehicle. As part of thisprocess, the vehicle may de-authenticate.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are an example flow diagram 900 of some of the aspectsdescribed above that may be performed by one or more computing devicesof an autonomous vehicle, such as computer 110 of vehicle 100. In thisexample, the computer 110 receives dispatch instructions including apickup location and a drop off location at block 902. The vehicle'scomputer then maneuver's the vehicle to the pickup location at block904. Once the vehicle has arrived, the computer 110 authenticates aclient computing device of a passenger as described above at block 906.At block 910, if the client computing device is not authenticated, thecomputer waits at block 910 until the authentication is successful oruntil further instructions are received, for example, from the servercomputing device 210 or concierge work station 240. When theauthentication is successful, the computer 110 may unlock the doors ofthe vehicle and provide instructions to the passenger at block 912. Asnoted above, these instructions may include asking the passenger toclose the door and fasten his or her seat belt.

The computer then determines whether the instructions have beencompleted at block 914. If not, the computer may wait and repeat theinstructions as needed at block 916. The computer may even wait forinstructions, for example, from the server computing device 210 orconcierge work station 240. Once the instructions are completed, thecomputer 110 activates a first button by changing the first button froman inactive to a first active state at block 918. This button maycorrespond to button 614. In this regard, the inactive state maycorrespond to the first state 802 and the first active state maycorrespond to the second state 804 as discussed above.

The computer 110 receives user input at the first button at block 920.In response, the computer 110 maneuvers the vehicle 101 to the drop offlocation and changes the state of the first button to a second activestate at block 922. In this example, the second active state maycorrespond to the third state 804 of button 614.

Continuing to FIG. 9B, the flow diagram then breaks into three separatebranches; A, B, and C. In branch A, the computer 110 receives user inputat a second button at block 924. This second button may correspond tothe emergency stopping button 612. In this regard, the computerimmediately stops the vehicle and changes the state to the first buttonto the inactive state at block 926. Again, in this example, the computer110 may change the state of button 612 to the inactive or first state802. Once stopped, the computer 110 unlocks the doors at block 928.

In branch B, the computer 110 receives user input at the first button atblock 924. Again, the first button is in the second active statecorresponding to the third state 806. In this regard, the computerbegins a countdown and changes the state of the first button to thefirst active state at block 932. This gives the passenger theopportunity to cancel the request to pull the vehicle over. The computer110 then waits to see if it receives user input at the first buttonduring the countdown at block 934. If so, the flow diagram returns toblock 922 of FIG. 9B, where the computer 110 maneuvers the vehicle tothe drop off location and changes the state of the first button back tothe second active state. Returning to block 934 of FIG. 9B, if thecomputer does not receive user input at the first button during thecountdown, the computer looks for a safe place to pull the vehicle overas described above at block 936. The computer 110 eventually pulls thevehicle over at block 938, and once stopped, the computer 110 unlocksthe doors at block 940.

In branch C, the computer 110 receives no user input at the first buttonor the second button while maneuvering the vehicle to the drop offlocation. As such, once the vehicle reaches the drop off location, thecomputer may stop the vehicle at block 942 and at block and oncestopped, the computer 110 unlocks the doors at block 944.

As noted above, in some examples, the passenger may also provide one ormore intermediate stopping locations. In such an example, once thevehicle has reached an intermediate stopping location, the computer 110may again stop the vehicle and unlock the doors (as shown in blocks 942and 944). At this time, the computer 110 may also change the state ofthe first button from the second active to the first active state untilthe passenger has either opened the doors or taken off his or herseatbelt. As such, the flow may return to block 912 of FIG. 9A to askthe passenger to close the door and fasten the seatbelt if necessary andproceed to blocks 914 and/or 916 as applicable.

Again, as discussed above, rather than having a single multipurposebutton such as button 614, two buttons with different states ofactivation may be used along with the emergency stopping button tocommunicate requests to the vehicle's computer. In order todifferentiate between the states, the buttons may display information tothe user to indicate the current state of the button as shown in FIG. 8.In this regard, both buttons may initially be in an inactive state (seestate 802 of FIG. 8) where the vehicle is not ready to begin a trip,such as when a door is open or a seatbelt has not been buckled. Once thevehicle is ready to begin a trip, only one of the buttons (the firstbutton) may be changed by the vehicle's computer to an active or “GO”state (see state 804 of FIG. 8) where the first button may be used tocommunicate a request from a passenger to the vehicle's computer tobeing a trip to a destination. The second button may remain in theinactive state until the vehicle has begun a trip.

Once a trip has been initiated by activating the first button, the firstbutton may become inactive again, and the second button may be changedby the vehicle's computer to an active state (see state 806 of FIG. 8)where the second button may be used to communicate a request from apassenger to the vehicle's computer to pull the vehicle over. In thisregard, only one of these two buttons may be available to be used by thepassenger at a time. When the vehicle has stopped or pulled over, thesecond button may be changed by the vehicle's computer to the inactivestate again, while the first button may be changed by the vehicle'scomputer to the active or inactive state depending upon thecircumstances of the stop.

Unless otherwise stated, the foregoing alternative examples are notmutually exclusive, but may be implemented in various combinations toachieve unique advantages. As these and other variations andcombinations of the features discussed above can be utilized withoutdeparting from the subject matter defined by the claims, the foregoingdescription of the embodiments should be taken by way of illustrationrather than by way of limitation of the subject matter defined by theclaims. In addition, the provision of the examples described herein, aswell as clauses phrased as “such as,” “including” and the like, shouldnot be interpreted as limiting the subject matter of the claims to thespecific examples; rather, the examples are intended to illustrate onlyone of many possible embodiments. Further, the same reference numbers indifferent drawings can identify the same or similar elements.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to adestination autonomously, the vehicle comprising: one or more computingdevices; a set of user input buttons configured to communicate requeststo stop the vehicle and to initiate a trip to the destination with theone or more computing devices, the set of user input buttons consistingessentially of: a dual-purpose button having a first purpose tocommunicate a request to initiate the trip to the destination and asecond purpose to communicate a request to pull the vehicle over andstop the vehicle, wherein the second purpose is only available after thedual-purpose button has been activated according to the first purpose,and an emergency stopping button different from the dual-purpose button,the emergency stopping button configured to stop the vehicle.
 2. Thevehicle of claim 1, further comprising one or more short range wirelessnetwork connections configured to communicate between the one or morecomputing devices and a client computing device.
 3. The vehicle of claim1, further comprising one or more wireless network connectionsconfigured to communicate between the one or more computing devices anda server computing device, wherein the wireless network connectionsallow for the server computing device to relay information received froma client computing device to the one or more computing devices.
 4. Thevehicle of claim 1, further comprising a microphone configured toprovide user input to the one or more computing devices.
 5. The vehicleof claim 1, wherein a drive train of the vehicle does not include asteering wheel, a deceleration pedal, or an acceleration pedal.
 6. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes no user inputs for thesteering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle other than theset of user buttons.
 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the dual-purposebutton is configured to have an inactive state when the one or morecomputing devices are not ready to initiate the trip.
 8. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein the dual-purpose button is configured to have twoactive states, wherein a first of the two active states includes displayinformation identifying that the button is operable for the firstpurpose and not the second purpose and a second of the two active statesincludes display information identifying that the button is operable forthe second purpose and not the first purpose.
 9. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein the one or more computing devices are configured to keep thedual-purpose button in an inactive state when the vehicle is not readyto initiate the trip.
 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the emergencystopping button includes a cover configured to be moved into a firstposition in order to allow a passenger to activate the emergencystopping button.
 11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the emergencystopping button is configured to be pulled up to activate the emergencystopping button when the cover is in the first position.
 12. A vehiclefor maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously, the vehiclecomprising: one or more computing devices; a set of user input buttonsconfigured to communicate requests to stop the vehicle and to initiate atrip to the destination with the one or more computing devices, the setof user input buttons consisting essentially of: a first buttonconfigured to communicate a request to initiate the trip to thedestination, a second button configured to communicate a request to stopthe vehicle within a first period of time; and a third button differentfrom the first button and the second button, configured to communicate arequest to initiate an emergency stop within a second period of timeless than the first period of time.
 13. The vehicle of claim 12,wherein: the first button is configured to have an active state forcommunicating the request to initiate the trip to the destination and aninactive state; and the second button is configured to have an activestate communicating the request to stop the vehicle within the firstperiod of time and an inactive state, the active state of the firstbutton being available only when the second button is in the inactivestate.
 14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the one or more computingdevices are configured to keep the first button in the inactive statewhen the vehicle is not ready to initiate the trip.
 15. The vehicle ofclaim 13, wherein the one or more computing devices are configured tokeep the second button in the inactive state until the trip has beeninitiated.
 16. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein when the second buttonis activated, the one or more computing devices are configured to:initiate a countdown to allow a passenger to cancel the request to stopthe vehicle; and when the countdown is completed, identify a location tostop the vehicle within the first period of time.
 17. The vehicle ofclaim 12, wherein when the second button is activated, the one or morecomputing devices are configured to: stop the vehicle within the firstperiod of time; and when the vehicle is stopped, put the first buttoninto the active state and the second button into the inactive state. 18.The vehicle of claim 12, wherein when the third button is activated, theone or more computing devices are configured to: stop the vehicle withinthe second period of time; and put both the first button and the secondbutton into the inactive states.